Article with at least two securable inlaid strands

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure, in one aspect, provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may include a knitted component. The knitted component may include a knit element, a first tensile strand with an exposed first end, and a second tensile strand with an exposed second end. The first tensile strand may be at least partially inlaid within the knit element, the second tensile strand may be at least partially inlaid within the knit element, and the exposed first end of the first tensile element may be secured to the exposed second end of the second tensile element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/305,169, filed Jun. 16, 2014, and issuingon Dec. 6, 2016 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,510,637, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primaryelements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to thesole structure and forms a void on the interior of the footwear forcomfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is securedto a lower area of the upper, thereby being positioned between the upperand the ground. In athletic footwear, for example, the sole structuremay include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole often includes apolymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to lessenstresses upon the foot and leg during walking, running, and otherambulatory activities. Additionally, the midsole may includefluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements thatfurther attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions ofthe foot. The outsole is secured to a lower surface of the midsole andprovides a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure formed from adurable and wear-resistant material, such as rubber. The sole structuremay also include a sockliner positioned within the void and proximal alower surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.

The upper generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot,along the medial and lateral sides of the foot and around the heel areaof the foot. In some articles of footwear, such as basketball footwearand boots, the upper may extend upward and around the ankle to providesupport or protection for the ankle. Access to the void on the interiorof the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in a heel regionof the footwear. A lacing system is often incorporated into the upper toadjust the fit of the upper, thereby permitting entry and removal of thefoot from the void within the upper. The lacing system also permits thewearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, toaccommodate feet with varying dimensions. In addition, the upper mayinclude a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhanceadjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heelcounter to limit movement of the heel.

A variety of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymersheets, leather, synthetic leather) are conventionally utilized inmanufacturing the upper. In athletic footwear, for example, the uppermay have multiple layers that each includes a variety of joined materialelements. As examples, the material elements may be selected to impartelasticity, wear-resistance, air-permeability, compressibility, comfort,and moisture-wicking to different areas of the upper. In order to impartthe different properties to different areas of the upper, materialelements are often cut to desired shapes and then joined together,usually with stitching or adhesive bonding. Moreover, the materialelements are often joined in a layered configuration to impart multipleproperties to the same areas. As the number and type of materialelements incorporated into the upper increases, the time and expenseassociated with transporting, stocking, cutting, and joining thematerial elements may also increase. Waste material from cutting andstitching processes also accumulates to a greater degree as the numberand type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases.Moreover, uppers with a greater number of material elements may be moredifficult to recycle than uppers formed from fewer types and numbers ofmaterial elements. By decreasing the number of material elementsutilized in the upper, therefore, waste may be decreased whileincreasing the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper.

SUMMARY

An article is disclosed that includes a knitted component formed ofunitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a knit elementthat is configured to stretch between a neutral position and a stretchedposition. The knitted component also includes a tensile strand that isformed of unitary knit construction with the knit element. The tensilestrand is at least partially inlaid within the knit element. The tensilestrand includes a portion that is arranged as a stretch limiter elementthat is configured to move between a slack position and a taut positionas the knit element moves between the neutral position and the stretchedposition. The stretch limiter element is in the slack position when theknit element is in the neutral position, and the stretch limiter elementis in the taut position when the knit element is in the stretchedposition to prevent stretch of the knit element beyond the stretchedposition.

Also, an article is disclosed that includes a knitted component formedof unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a knitelement with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion isstretchable relative to the second portion between a neutral positionand a stretched position. The knitted component also includes a tensilestrand that is formed of unitary knit construction with the knitelement. The tensile strand extends across at least one of the firstportion and the second portion of the knit element. The tensile strandis at least partially inlaid within the knit element. The tensile strandincludes a portion that is arranged as a stretch limiter element that isconfigured to move between a slack position and a taut position as thefirst portion stretches between the neutral position and the stretchedposition. The stretch limiter element is in the slack position when thefirst portion is in the neutral position. The stretch limiter element isin the taut position when the first portion is in the stretched positionto prevent stretch of the first portion beyond the stretched position.

Moreover, an article is disclosed that includes a knitted componentformed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes aknit element that includes a first portion and a second portion. Thefirst portion and the second portion are both stretchable. The knittedcomponent also includes a first tensile strand that is at leastpartially inlaid within the knit element and that is configured to limita range of stretching motion of the first portion. The first tensilestrand includes a portion that is arranged as a first stretch limiterelement that is configured to move between a slack position and a tautposition as the first portion stretches. The knitted component alsoincludes a second tensile strand that is at least partially inlaidwithin the knit element and that is configured to limit a range ofstretching motion of the second portion. The second tensile strandincludes a portion that is arranged as a second stretch limiter elementthat is configured to move between a slack position and a taut positionas the second portion stretches. The first stretch limiter element, inthe slack position, is configured to allow stretch of the first portion.The first stretch limiter element, in the taut position, is configuredto prevent stretch of the first portion. The second stretch limiterelement, in the slack position, is configured to allow stretch of thesecond portion. The second stretch limiter element, in the tautposition, is configured to prevent stretch of the second portion.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods,features and advantages be included within this description and thissummary, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protectedby the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings and description. The components in the figures arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thefigures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a knitted component with a knitelement and a stretch limiter element, wherein the stretch limiterelement is shown in a first slack position;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the knitted component of FIG. 1,wherein the stretch limiter element is shown in a taut position toprevent further stretching of the knit element;

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the knitted component of FIG. 1,wherein the stretch limiter element is shown in a second slack position;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the knitted component of FIG. 3,wherein the stretch limiter element is shown in a taut position toprevent further stretching of the knit element;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an article of footwear with a knittedcomponent having stretch limiter elements according to exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the knitted component of the article offootwear of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a section view of the knitted component taken along the line7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a detail view of the knitted component of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the knitted component of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the knitted component of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stretch limiter element of theknitted component of FIG. 5, wherein the stretch limiter element isshown in a first slack position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the stretch limiter element of FIG. 11,wherein the stretch limiter element is shown in a taut position toprevent further stretching of the knit element;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stretch limiter element of theknitted component of FIG. 5, wherein the stretch limiter element isshown in a second slack position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the stretch limiter element of FIG. 13shown in the taut position to prevent further stretching of the knitelement;

FIG. 15 is a schematic isometric view of the knitted component of FIG. 5showing a stretch limiter element that allows stretching of the midfootregion within a first range;

FIG. 16 is a schematic isometric view of the knitted component of FIG. 5showing a stretch limiter element that allows stretching of the midfootregion within a second range;

FIG. 17 is a detail view of a plurality of tensile strands of theknitted component of FIG. 5, wherein the tensile strands are shownunbraided, and wherein one of the tensile strands is shown beingadjusted relative to the others;

FIG. 18 is a detail view of the tensile strands of FIG. 17 shown beingbraided;

FIG. 19 is a detail view of the tensile strands of FIG. 18 shown furtherbraided;

FIG. 20 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5,wherein tensile strands allow for a relatively large range of stretchingof the heel region;

FIG. 21 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5,wherein tensile strands allow for a relatively small range of stretchingof the heel region;

FIG. 22 is a section view of the article of footwear taken along theline 22-22 of FIG. 20, wherein a tensile strand allows for a relativelylarge range of stretching of the forefoot region;

FIG. 23 is a section view of the article of footwear taken along theline 23-23 of FIG. 21, wherein a tensile strand allows for a relativelysmall range of stretching of the forefoot region;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a knitted component according to additionalembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a medial side view of an article of footwear with the knittedcomponent of FIG. 24, wherein the tensile strands are shown partiallyunbraided;

FIG. 26 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 25,wherein the tensile strands are shown braided and attached to asecurement device, wherein the securement device is shown in anunsecured position;

FIG. 27 is a detail view of the securement device of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 25,wherein the securement device is shown in a first secured position;

FIG. 29 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 25,wherein the securement device is shown in a second secured position;

FIG. 30 is a section view of the article of footwear taken along theline 30-30 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a section view of the article of footwear taken along theline 31-31 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an article of apparel with a knitelement and a stretch limiter element according to additionalembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a detail view of an area of the article of apparel taken fromthe perspective of line 33-33 of FIG. 32; and

FIG. 34 is a detail view of the area of the article of apparel takenfrom the perspective of line 34-34 of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a variety ofconcepts related to a knitted component. The knitted component can beincorporated into a wide variety of articles, such as an article offootwear, an article of apparel, sports equipment, and other objects.

The knitted component can include various features that allow stretchingof one or more areas of the knitted component. The knitted component canstretch, for example, to fit and conform to an underlying surface. Morespecifically, in some embodiments, the knitted component can beincorporated into an article of footwear, and the knitted component canstretch to fit and conform to the wearer's foot. Also, the joints in thefoot can articulate, the musculature of the foot can flex, and/or thefoot can otherwise move to cause stretching of the knitted component.Moreover, the footwear can impact the ground, a ball, or other object,and the resulting forces can cause stretching of the knitted component.Thus, the knitted component can stretch to remain comfortably secured tothe wearer's foot.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the knitted component can include oneor more features that limit the stretching of the knitted component. Forexample, one or more features of the knitted component can prevent theknitted component from stretching beyond a predetermined dimension.Thus, in some embodiments, the amount of stretching of the knittedcomponent can be limited such that the footwear remains secured to thefoot and continues to support the foot.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the knitted component can be adjustableto vary the available range of stretching motion of the knittedcomponent. For example, in a first configuration, the knitted componentcan stretch within a first range of motion, and in a secondconfiguration, the knitted component can stretch within a second,smaller range of motion. As such, the user can select the amount ofstretchability of the knitted component.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate these features generally according to exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated, however,that the knitted component can vary from these embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a knitted component 10 according to an exemplaryembodiment. Knitted component 10 can generally include a knit element 12and a tensile strand 14. Knit element 12 can be attached to tensilestrand 14.

Knit element 12 can include one or more yarns or strands that are joinedthrough knitting to form a knit textile, for example, in theconfiguration of a textile sheet. Knit element 12 can include a firstboundary 20 and a second boundary 22. For example, boundary 20 andboundary 22 can be defined at respective edges of knitted component 10.In other embodiments, boundary 20 and/or boundary 22 can be spacedinboard from the edges of knitted component 10.

Knit element 12 can be stretchable in some embodiments. In some cases,knit element 12 may be formed with a yarn or strand that is configuredto stretch, such as an elastic yarn. In other cases, knit element 12 maybe made stretchable by the knit structure used to form the knit element12. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, knit element 12 can stretch suchthat second boundary 22 moves away from first boundary 20. Thus, knitelement 12 can have a neutral position shown in FIG. 1 and can stretchto a stretched position shown in FIG. 2. Also, knit element 12 can havea range of stretching motion that is indicated at 16 in FIG. 2.

More specifically, knit element 12 can have a first width 15 in theneutral position of FIG. 1 measured between first boundary 10 and secondboundary 22. Knit element 12 can also have a second width 17 when in thestretched position of FIG. 2. Range of stretching 16 is shown in FIG. 2as the difference between first width 15 and second width 17. It will beappreciated that the one-dimensional type of stretching shown in FIGS. 1and 2 is merely an example and that knit element 12 can be configured tostretch in different ways without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Tensile strand 14 can be a yarn, a cable, a rope, or other strand.Tensile strand 14 can include a first end 30 and a second end 32. Insome embodiments, tensile strand 14 can be flexible, but tensile strand14 can have a substantially fixed length measured from first end 30 tosecond end 32. Stated differently, tensile strand 14 can besubstantially inelastic. Thus, knit element 12 can be more stretchablethan tensile strand 14.

Tensile strand 14 can extend across knit element 12. For example,tensile strand 14 can extend from first boundary 20 to second boundary22 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, tensile strand 14 can be atleast partially inlaid within knit element 12. Also, in someembodiments, portions of tensile strand 14 can be exposed from knitelement 12.

Tensile strand 14 can limit the stretching of knit element 12. Forexample, at least a portion of tensile strand 14 can provides a stretchlimiter element 34 for knitted component 10. Stretch limiter element 34can be included between first end 30 and second end 32. Stretch limiterelement 34 can control stretching of knit element 12.

More specifically, in some embodiments, stretch limiter element 34 canhave a slack position as represented in FIG. 1. Stretch limiter element34 can also have a taut position as represented in FIG. 2. Thus, tensilestrand 14 can be relatively slack and can have relatively low tensionwhen knit element 12 is in the neutral position represented in FIG. 1.In contrast, tensile strand 14 can be substantially taut and can haverelatively high tension when knit element 12 is in the stretchedposition represented in FIG. 2. At the taut position, tensile strand 14can prevent knit element 12 from stretching further than the positionshown in FIG. 2. More specifically, in some embodiments, theinelasticity of tensile strand 14 can stop knit element 12 fromcontinuing to stretch beyond the predetermined position associated withthe stretched position shown in FIG. 2.

Also, in some embodiments, stretch limiter element 34 of tensile strand14 can be adjustable. Adjustment of stretch limiter element 34 can varythe range of stretching motion of knitted component 10.

More specifically, the slack position of the stretch limiter element 34of FIG. 1 can be considered a first slack position. Stretch limiterelement 34 can also be adjusted to a second slack position in someembodiments as shown in FIG. 3. This adjustment from the first slackposition of FIG. 1 to the second slack position of FIG. 3 is representedby a change in length of stretch limiter element 34 from a first length40 to a second length 44 and by a change in height of stretch limiterelement 34 from a first height 42 to a second height 46. However, itwill be appreciated that this is merely a schematic representation ofthe adjustment of the stretch limiter element 34 and that adjustmentcould occur in different ways without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

As a result of the adjustment, knit element 12 can stretch from theneutral position of FIG. 3 to the stretched position of FIG. 4. At thisposition, tensile strand 14 can be taut and can prevent knit element 12from stretching any further. Thus, knit element 12 can stretch across asecond range of stretching motion 18 as indicated in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the second range of stretching motion 18 of FIG. 4is less than the first range of stretching motion 16 of FIG. 2. Stateddifferently, tensile strand 14 can allow knitted component 10 to stretchover a larger range when stretch limiter element 34 is in the firstslack position of FIG. 1 as compared to when stretch limiter element 34is in the second slack position of FIG. 3.

These and other concepts of the present disclosure will now be discussedin greater detail according to additional embodiments. For example, FIG.5 shows an article of footwear 100 that can incorporate at least some ofthese features. However, it will be appreciated that these features canbe incorporated in other objects without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

General Discussion of Article of Footwear

Article of footwear 100 is illustrated according to exemplaryembodiments in FIG. 5. Footwear 100 can generally include a solestructure 110 and an upper 120.

For reference purposes, footwear 100 may be divided into three generalregions: a heel region 102, a midfoot region 103, and a forefoot region104. Heel region 102 can generally include portions of footwear 100corresponding with rear portions of the wearer's foot, including theheel and calcaneus bone. Midfoot region 103 can generally includeportions of footwear 100 corresponding with middle portions of thewearer's foot, including an arch area. Forefoot region 104 can generallyinclude portions of footwear 100 corresponding with forward portions ofthe wearer's foot, including the toes and joints connecting themetatarsals with the phalanges.

Footwear 100 can also include a medial side 105 and a lateral side 106.Medial side 105 and lateral side 106 can extend through forefoot regionheel region 102, midfoot region 103, and forefoot region 104 in someembodiments. Medial side 105 and lateral side 106 can correspond withopposite sides of footwear 100. More particularly, lateral side 106 cancorrespond with an outside area of the wearer's foot (i.e. the surfacethat faces away from the other foot), and medial side 105 can correspondwith an inside area of the wearer's foot (i.e., the surface that facestoward the other foot). Heel region 102, midfoot region 103, forefootregion 104, medial side 105, and lateral side 106 are not intended todemarcate precise areas of footwear 100. Rather, heel region 102,midfoot region 103, forefoot region 104, medial side 105, and lateralside 106 are intended to represent general areas of footwear 100 to aidin the following discussion.

Footwear 100 can also extend along various axes. For example, as shownin FIG. 5, footwear 100 can extend along a longitudinal axis 107, atransverse axis 108, and a vertical axis 109. Longitudinal axis 107 canextend generally between heel region 102 and forefoot region 104.Transverse axis 108 can extend generally between medial side 105 andlateral side 106. Also, vertical axis 109 can extend substantiallyperpendicular to both longitudinal axis 107 and transverse axis 108. Itwill be appreciated that longitudinal axis 107, transverse axis 108, andvertical axis 109 are merely included for reference purposes and to aidin the following discussion.

Embodiments of sole structure 110 will now be discussed. Sole structure110 can be attached to upper 120 and can extend between the foot and theground when footwear 100 is worn. In some embodiments, sole structure110 can include a midsole 112 and an outsole 114. Midsole 112 caninclude a resiliently compressible material, fluid-filled bladders, andthe like. As such, midsole 112 can cushion the wearer's foot andattenuate impact and other forces when running, jumping, and the like.Midsole 112 can include an upper surface 111 that is attached to upper120. Outsole 114 can be secured to the midsole 112 and can include awear resistant material, such as rubber and the like. Outsole 114 canalso include tread and other traction-enhancing features. Outsole 114can include a lower surface 113 that faces away from upper 120 and thatdefines a ground engaging surface of sole structure 110.

Embodiments of upper 120 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 5and 6. Upper 120 is shown with sole structure 110 in FIG. 5. Also, upper120 is shown without sole structure 110 and partially disassembled inFIG. 6.

As shown, upper 120 can define a void 122 that receives a foot of thewearer. Stated differently, upper 120 can define an interior surface 121that defines void 122, and upper 120 can define an exterior surface 123that faces in a direction opposite interior surface 121. When thewearer's foot is received within void 122, upper 120 can at leastpartially enclose and encapsulate the wearer's foot. Thus, upper 120 canextend about heel region 102, midfoot region 103, forefoot region 104,medial side 105, and lateral side 106 in some embodiments.

Upper 120 can include a main opening 124 that provides access into andout of void 122. Upper 120 can also include a throat 128. Throat 128 canextend from collar main opening 124 toward forefoot region 104. Throat128 dimensions can be varied to change the width of footwear 100 betweenmedial side 105 and lateral side 106. Thus, throat 128 can affect fitand comfort of article of footwear 100.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, throat 128can be an “open” throat 128, in which upper 120 includes a throatopening 125 that extends from main opening 124 toward forefoot region104 and that is defined between medial side 105 and lateral side 106. Inother embodiments, throat 128 can be a “closed” throat 128, in whichupper 120 is substantially continuous and uninterrupted between medialside 105 and lateral side 106.

Additionally, throat 128 can include a tongue 126 that is disposedwithin throat opening 125. For example, in some embodiments, tongue 126can be attached at its forward end to forefoot region 104, and tongue126 can be detached from medial side 105 and lateral side 106.Accordingly, tongue 126 can substantially fill throat opening 125.

Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple materialelements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather,synthetic leather) that are joined through stitching or bonding, forexample. In contrast, at least a portion of upper 120 is formed anddefined by a knitted component 130. Knitted component 130 can be formedof unitary knit construction. Knitted component 130 is shown in planview in FIGS. 8 and 9 according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, knitted component 130 and/or othercomponents of footwear 100 can include one or more features disclosed incommonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/026,589 to Podhajny,entitled “Article of Footwear Incorporating a Knitted Component withIntegrally Knit Contoured Portion,” filed on Sep. 13, 2013, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Knitted component 130 can define at least a portion of the void 122within upper 120 in some embodiments. Also, in some embodiments, knittedcomponent 130 can define at least a portion of exterior surface 123.Furthermore, in some embodiments, knitted component 130 can define atleast a portion of interior surface 121 of the upper 120. Additionally,in some embodiments, knitted component 130 can define a substantialportion of heel region 102, midfoot region 103, forefoot region 104,medial side 105, and lateral side 106 of upper 120. Thus, knittedcomponent 130 can encompass the wearer's foot in some embodiments. Also,in some embodiments, knitted component 130 can compress the wearer'sfoot to secure to the wearer's foot.

Thus, upper 120 can be constructed with a relatively low number ofmaterial elements. This can decrease waste while also increasing themanufacturing efficiency and recyclability of upper 120. Additionally,knitted component 130 of upper 120 can incorporate a smaller number ofseams or other discontinuities. This can further increase manufacturingefficiency of footwear 100. Moreover, interior surface 121 of upper 120can be substantially smooth and uniform to enhance the overall comfortof footwear 100.

Knitted component 130 can be of “unitary knit construction.” As definedherein and as used in the claims, the term “unitary knit construction”means that the knitted component 130 is formed as a one-piece elementthrough a knitting process. That is, the knitting process substantiallyforms the various features and structures of knitted component 130without the need for significant additional manufacturing steps orprocesses. A unitary knit construction may be used to form a knittedcomponent having structures or elements that include one or more coursesof yarn or other knit material that are joined such that the structuresor elements include at least one course in common (i.e., sharing acommon strand or common yarn) and/or include courses that aresubstantially continuous between each portion of the knitted component130. With this arrangement, a one-piece element of unitary knitconstruction is provided.

Although portions of knitted component 130 may be joined to each otherfollowing the knitting process, knitted component 130 remains formed ofunitary knit construction because it is formed as a one-piece knitelement. Moreover, knitted component 130 remains formed of unitary knitconstruction when other elements (e.g., an inlaid strand, a closureelement, logos, trademarks, placards with care instructions and materialinformation, and other structural elements) are added following theknitting process.

Features of knitted component 130 will now be discussed in greaterdetail according to various embodiments. Knitted component 130 cangenerally include a knit element 131. Knitted component 130 can alsogenerally include at least tensile strand 150.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, knit element 131 of knittedcomponent 130 may be formed from at least one yarn, cable, or other yarn129 that is manipulated (e.g., with a knitting machine) to form aplurality of intermeshed loops that define a plurality of courses 135and wales 137.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, tensile strand 150 can be formed ofunitary knit construction with knitted component 130. Strand 150 canprovide support to knitted component 130. More specifically, in someembodiments, tension of strand 150 can allow knitted component 130 toresist deformation, stretching, or otherwise provide support for thewearer's foot during running, jumping, or other movements of thewearer's foot.

Tensile strand 150 can be attached to knit element 131 in any suitablefashion. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of strand150 can be inlaid within one or more courses 135 and/or wales 137 ofknit element 131 such that the strand 150 can be incorporated during theknitting processes on the knitting machine. More specifically, as shownin the embodiment of FIG. 8, tensile strand 150 can alternate betweenbeing located: (a) behind loops formed from yarn 129; and (b) in frontof loops formed from yarn 129. In effect, tensile strand 150 weavesthrough the unitary knit construction of knit element 131. As a result,in some embodiments represented in FIG. 7, tensile strand 150 can bedisposed within knit element 131 between exterior surface 123 andinterior surface 121 of upper 120.

Yarn(s) that form knit element 131 can be of any suitable type. Forexample, yarn 129 of knit element 131 can be made from cotton, elastane,rayon, wool, nylon, polyester, or other material. Also, in someembodiments, yarn 129 can be elastic and resilient. As such, yarn 129can be stretched in length from a first length, and yarn 129 can bebiased to recover to its first length. Thus, such an elastic yarn 129can allow knit element 131 to stretch elastically and resiliently underthe influence of a force. When that force is reduced, knit element 131can recover back its neutral position.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, yarn 129 can be at least partiallyformed from a thermoset polymer material that can melt when heated andthat can return to a solid state when cooled. As such, yarn 129 can afusible yarn and can be used to join two objects or elements together.In additional embodiments, knit element 131 can include a combination offusible and non-fusible yarns. In some embodiments, for example, knittedcomponent 130 and upper 120 can be constructed according to theteachings of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0233882, which publishedon Sep. 20, 2012, and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a single yarn 129 can form each ofthe courses 135 and wales 137 of knit element 131. In other embodiments,knit element 131 can include a plurality of strands. For example,different strands can form different courses 135 and/or different wales137. In additional embodiments, a plurality of strands can cooperate todefine a common loop, a common course and/or a common wale.

Tensile strand 150 can also be of any suitable type of strand, yarn,cable, cord, filament (e.g., a monofilament), thread, rope, webbing, orchain, for example. In comparison with the yarns forming knit element131, the thickness of tensile strand 150 may be greater. In someconfigurations, tensile strand 150 may have a significantly greaterthickness than the yarns of knit element 131. Although thecross-sectional shape of tensile strand 150 may be round, triangular,square, rectangular, elliptical, or irregular shapes may also beutilized. Moreover, the materials forming tensile strand 150 may includeany of the materials for the yarn within knit element 131, such ascotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, and nylon. As noted above,tensile strand 150 may exhibit greater stretch-resistance than knitelement 131. As such, suitable materials for tensile strand 150 mayinclude a variety of engineering filaments that are utilized for hightensile strength applications, including glass, aramids (e.g.,para-aramid and meta-aramid), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene,and liquid crystal polymer. As another example, a braided polyesterthread may also be utilized as tensile strand 150.

In some embodiments, knitted component 130 can share one or morefeatures discussed above in relation to FIGS. 1-4. For example, knittedcomponent 130 can include one or more features that cause knit element131 to stretch in a predetermined and controlled manner in someembodiments. For example, knitted component 130 can include one or morefeatures and structures that limit the range of stretching motion ofknit element 131. Also, the range of stretching of knit element 131 canbe adjustable and controllable in some embodiments. For example, knittedcomponent 130 can have a first configuration in which a first range ofstretching motion is allowed, and knitted component 130 can have adifferent, second configuration in which a larger, smaller range ofstretching motion is allowed.

Configurations of Knit Element

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 9 and 10, knit element 131 of knittedcomponent 130 will be discussed in greater detail according to someembodiments. Knit element 131 can define a majority of knitted component130 and upper 120 in some embodiments.

More specifically, knit element 131 can include a base portion 134 insome embodiments. Base portion 134 can also be referred to as a strobelportion or underfoot portion in some embodiments. Base portion 134 canbe configured to be disposed adjacent sole structure 110. For instance,base portion 134 can lie over upper surface 111 of sole structure 110and can attach directly or indirectly to upper surface 111. Inadditional embodiments, one or more parts of base portion 134 (e.g., aperiphery of the base portion 134) can attach to sole structure 110while other parts remain detached or decoupled. Also, base portion 134can be configured to extend underneath the wearer's foot.

Knit element 131 can further include a heel portion 136. Heel portion136 can be disposed on one end of the base portion 134. Heel portion 136can also extend upwards from the base portion 134 along vertical axis109 as shown in FIG. 6. Heel portion 136 can define heel region 102 ofupper 120 and can be configured to cover over a heel and/or an anklearea of the wearer's foot.

Knit element 131 can additionally include a lateral portion 138 and amedial portion 140. Lateral portion 138 can be disposed forward relativeto the heel portion 136, and can extend upwards from a lateral side ofthe base portion 134 as shown in FIG. 6. Lateral portion 138 can definelateral side 106 of upper 120 and can be configured to cover over andlie against a lateral area of the wearer's foot. Furthermore, medialportion 140 can be disposed on an opposite side of the base portion 134relative to the lateral portion 138. Medial portion 140 can be disposedforward of heel portion 136 along longitudinal axis 107. Medial portion140 can extend upwards along the vertical axis 109 from the base portion134 as shown in FIG. 6. Medial portion 140 can define medial side 105 ofupper and can be configured to cover over and lie against a medial areaor instep of the wearer's foot.

Still further, knit element 131 can include a forefoot portion 142.Forefoot portion 142 can be disposed on an opposite end of the baseportion 134 relative to the heel portion 136. Forefoot portion 142 canalso be disposed forward of the lateral and medial portions 130, 132.Also, in some embodiments, forefoot portion 142 can be integrallyconnected to either lateral portion 138 or medial portion 140, andforefoot portion 142 can be detached and spaced from the other. In theembodiment shown, for instance, forefoot portion 142 is integrallyconnected to lateral portion 138 and is spaced from medial portion 140.Accordingly, when upper 120 is in a disassembled state as shown in FIGS.6, 9 and 10, a gap 146 can be defined between forefoot portion 142 andmedial portion 140.

Moreover, knit element 131 can include a tongue portion 144. As shown,tongue portion 144 can include a curved region 148 and a longitudinalregion 149. As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, tongue portion 144 canextend generally forward from base portion 134. Curved region 148 canalso curve such that longitudinal region 149 extends generallyrearwardly and at an angle relative to medial portion 140 as shown inFIGS. 6, 9, and 10.

Also, when upper 120 is assembled as shown in FIG. 5, curved region 148can wrap upwards to at least partially fill gap 146, and longitudinalregion 149 of the tongue portion 144 can be disposed within throat 128of upper 120 to cover over the wearer's foot between lateral portion 138and medial portion 140.

Knit element 131 can additionally include at least two edge portions141, 143 that are configured to be joined together when assembling upper120. Edge portions 141, 143 can be defined in any suitable locationalong a perimeter edge 132 of knit element 131 or in any other suitablearea of knit element 131. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, firstedge portion 141 can extend along curved region 148 of tongue portion144 and can also extend partially through base portion 134 alongtransverse axis 108, adjacent forefoot portion 142. Second edge portion143 can curve along forefoot portion 142, generally along transverseaxis 108 and can extend downward along vertical axis 109 within forefootportion 142 so as to partially define gap 146. First edge 141 and secondedge 143 can also meet at a notch 145 defined within base portion 134 asshown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 5, edge portion 141 can be joined toedge portion 143 using stitching, adhesives, fasteners, or otherattachment devices.

Configurations of Tensile Strands

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, tensile strands 150 of knittedcomponent 130 will be discussed in greater detail. It will beappreciated that knitted component 130 can include any number of tensilestrands 150, and tensile strands 150 can extend across any portion ofknit element 131.

Tensile strands 150 can each include a respective first end 151, asecond end 153, and a middle section 155. In the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 9 and 10, first ends 151 of tensile strands 150 are disposedproximate to medial portion 140 of knit element 131, and second ends 153of tensile strands 150 are disposed proximate lateral portion 138 ofknit element 131. Moreover, middle sections 155 of tensile strands 150can extend continuously between medial portion 140 and lateral portion138 of knit element 131.

Also, in some embodiments, first ends 151 can extend from medial potion140 and can be exposed from medial portion 140. First ends 151 can alsoextend beyond a perimeter edge 133 of medial portion 140 in someembodiments. Likewise, second ends 153 can extend from lateral portion138 and can be exposed from lateral portion 138. Second ends 153 canextend beyond a perimeter edge 135 of lateral portion 138 in someembodiments. In contrast, middle sections 155 can be inlaid within knitelement 131 in some embodiments. Therefore, first ends 151 and secondends 153 can be referred to as exposed sections 176 of tensile strands150, and middle sections 155 can be referred to as inlaid sections 178of tensile strands 150.

In other embodiments, first ends 151 and/or second ends 153 can beenclosed within knit element 131. For example, first ends 151 and/orsecond ends 153 can be inlaid within knit element 131. Also, in someembodiments, first ends 151 and/or second ends 153 can be fixed to knitelement 131 via adhesives, fasteners, knotting, or other attachmentdevice.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10, the plurality of tensilestrands 150 can comprise a first tensile strand 152, a second tensilestrand 154, a third tensile strand 156, a fourth tensile strand 158, afifth tensile strand 160, a sixth tensile strand 162, a seventh tensilestrand 164, an eighth tensile strand 166, a ninth tensile strand 168, atenth tensile strand 170, an eleventh tensile strand 172, and a twelfthtensile strand 174. Each of these tensile strands 150 can generallyextend between lateral portion 138 and medial portion 150; however,these tensile strands 150 can be spaced apart along longitudinal axis107.

Additionally, first tensile strand 152, second tensile strand 154, thirdtensile strand 156, and fourth tensile strand 158 can be generallydisposed within forefoot region 104 and can be collectively referred toas forefoot tensile strands 115 of knitted component 130. Moreover,fifth tensile strand 160, sixth tensile strand 162, seventh tensilestrand 164, and eighth tensile strand 166 can be generally disposedwithin midfoot region 103 and can be collectively referred to as midfoottensile strands 116 of knitted component. Additionally, ninth tensilestrand 168, tenth tensile strand 170, eleventh tensile strand 172, andtwelfth tensile strand 174 can be generally disposed within heel region102 and can be collectively referred to as heel tensile strands 117 ofknitted component 130.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, first tensile strand 152, secondtensile strand 154, third tensile strand 156, fourth tensile strand 158,fifth tensile strand 160, sixth tensile strand 162, seventh tensilestrand 164, eighth tensile strand 166, ninth tensile strand 168, tenthtensile strand 170, and eleventh tensile strand 172 can extendcontinuously from lateral portion 138, across base portion 134, tomedial portion 140. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 these tensilestrands 150 can extend around and underneath the wearer's foot. Incontrast, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, twelfth tensile strand 174 canextend continuously from lateral portion 138, across heel portion 136,to medial portion 140. Thus, twelfth tensile strand 174 can extendbehind the wearer's foot and/or ankle.

In some embodiments, one or more tensile strands 150 can be securedtogether. For example, in some embodiments, one or more first ends 151of tensile strands 150 can be secured together in a bundle 127.Likewise, in some embodiments, one or more second ends 153 can besecured in a bundle 127. For example, as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 6, 9, and 10, plural first ends 151 and/or plural second ends 153can be twisted, braided, or otherwise gathered and secured together.

Specifically, in some embodiments, first ends 151 of first tensilestrand 152, second tensile strand 154, third tensile strand 156, andfourth tensile strand 158 may be secured together in a first medialbraid 161. Second ends 153 of first tensile strand 152, second tensilestrand 154, third tensile strand 156, and fourth tensile strand 158 maybe secured together in a first lateral braid 167. Moreover, first ends151 of fifth tensile strand 160, sixth tensile strand 162, seventhtensile strand 164, and eighth tensile strand 166 may be securedtogether in a second medial braid 163. Second ends 153 of fifth tensilestrand 160, sixth tensile strand 162, seventh tensile strand 164, andeighth tensile strand 166 may be secured together in a second lateralbraid 169. Also, first ends 151 of ninth tensile strand 168, tenthtensile strand 170, eleventh tensile strand 172, and twelfth tensilestrand 174 can be secured together in a third medial braid 165. Secondends 153 of ninth tensile strand 168, tenth tensile strand 170, eleventhtensile strand 172, and twelfth tensile strand 174 can be securedtogether in a third lateral braid 171.

Additionally, in some embodiments, two or more braids can be securedtogether. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, first medial braid 161 andfirst lateral braid 167 can be secured together in a first tie 173 insome embodiments. Likewise, second medial braid 163 and second lateralbraid 169 can be secured together in a second tie 175. Moreover, thirdmedial braid 165 and third lateral braid 171 can be secured together ina third tie 177 in some embodiments. It will be appreciated that firsttie 173, second tie 175, and third tie 177 can allow tensile strands 150to substantially encircle the wearer's foot about the longitudinal axis107 to further secure footwear 100 to the wearer's foot. Also it will beappreciated that first tie 173, second tie 175, and/or third tie 177 canbe untied in order to loosen footwear 100 for putting on or removing thewearer's foot from footwear 100.

It will be appreciated that first ends 151 and second ends 153 oftensile strands 150 can be secured together in ways other than asillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Also, in some embodiments, additionalobjects, such as a shoelace, a clamp, or other securement devices can beincluded for securing ends of tensile strands 150 together. For example,in some embodiments, a shoelace can secure the tensile strands 150 ofthe medial side 105 to the tensile strands 150 of the lateral side 106.More specifically, in some embodiments, first ends 151 can form one ormore loops that receive the shoelace on medial side 105 of footwear 100,and second ends 153 can form one or more additional loops that receivethe shoelace on lateral side 106 of footwear 100. Then, shoelace can betied in a knot and/or bow to secure first ends 151 to second ends 153.

Configurations of Stretch Limiter Elements

As stated above, knit element 131 can be stretchable. To control thisstretching, one or more of tensile strands 150 can include at least onestretch limiter element 180 as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10. Like theembodiments of FIGS. 1-4, stretch limiter elements 180 can limit therange of stretching motion of knit element 131. Accordingly, knittedcomponent 130 can stretch in a predetermined, controlled manner.

FIG. 11 illustrates one such stretch limiter element 180 in detail.Stretch limiter element 180 is shown in a slack position. Knit element131 is shown in a neutral or unstretched position in FIG. 11 as well. Inthe unstretched position, knit element 131 can have a first length 251.As knit element 131 stretches from the neutral position of FIG. 11 tothe stretched position of FIG. 12, stretch limiter element 180 can movefrom the slack position to the taut position. Upon reaching the tautposition, tension of stretch limiter element 180 can prevent furtherstretching of knit element 131. Thus, knit element 131 can stretch to asecond length 253.

More specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, stretch limiter element180 can be subdivided into a first section 218, a second section 220,and an intermediate section 222 that is disposed between first linearsection 218 and second linear section 220. First linear section 218 andsecond linear section 220 can be substantially linear in someembodiments. In contrast, intermediate section 222 can extend along anonlinear path between first section 218 and second section 220 asrepresented in FIG. 11. For example, in some embodiments, intermediatesection 222 can extend along a serpentine path when in the slackposition. For example, in the slack position of FIG. 11, intermediatesection 222 can define a first transverse section 223, a first turn 224,a second transverse section 226, a second turn 228, a third transversesection 230, a third turn 240, and a fourth transverse section 242.

In some embodiments, stretch limiter element 180 can be inlaid withinknit element 131. For example, in some embodiments, first section 218and second section 220 can extend along a common course of knit element131, whereas intermediate section 22 can extend through differentcourses and wales of knit element 131.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, areas of stretch limiter element 180and/or other areas of tensile strand 150 can be fixed to knit element131. For example, in some embodiments, first turn 224, second turn 228,and third turn 240 can be fixed to knit element 130. In additionalembodiments, first end 151 and second end 153 can be fixed to knitelement 130. Tensile strand 150 can be fixed to knit element 131 viaadhesives, via a fastener, or other components. In other embodiments,areas of tensile strand 150 can be fused to knit element 131. Otherareas of tensile strand 150 can be moveable or slideable relative toknit element 131.

As knit element 131 stretches from the neutral position of FIG. 11 tothe stretched position of FIG. 12, intermediate section 222 canstraighten out and become substantially linear. Eventually, intermediatesection 222 can move to the taut position represented in FIG. 12. Insome embodiments, in the taut position, first transverse section 223,first turn 224, second transverse section 226, second turn 228, thirdtransverse section 230, third turn 240, and fourth transverse section242 can substantially align with first linear section 218 and secondlinear section 220. Upon reaching the taut position, stretch limiterelement 180 can increase in tension and prevent further stretching ofknit element 131.

In some embodiments, this type of controlled stretching can be exhibitedin a relatively small area of knitted component 130. For example, areasof knit element 131 immediately adjacent stretch limiter element 180 canstretch in the manner represented in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In other embodiments, this type of controlled stretching can beexhibited across a larger area of knitted component 130. For example, insome embodiments, knitted component 130 can exhibit this type ofstretching between perimeter edge 133 of medial side 140 of upper 120and perimeter edge 135 of lateral side 138 of upper 120.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates this type of stretching according tosome embodiments. As shown, knit element 131 is assembled and formsupper 120. Also, tensile strand 150 extends about the midfoot region ofknit element 131. For example, tensile strand 150 shown in FIG. 15 couldrepresent fifth tensile strand 160, sixth tensile strand 162, seventhtensile strand 164, or eighth tensile strand 166 of FIG. 5. (The secondtie 175 is not shown for purposes of clarity.) Tensile strand 150 isalso shown in the slack position as indicated at 260 and at the tautposition as indicated at 262.

In some embodiments, knitted component 130 can stretch at the midfootregion, for example, due to flexure of the wearer's foot, due to impactwith the ground, or for other reasons. As a result, knit element 131 canexpand radially, and tensile strand 150 can move from the slack position260 to the taut position 262 as indicated by arrows 264. Upon reachingthe taut position 262, tension in tensile strand 150 can prevent furtherstretching of knit element 131.

Additionally, in some embodiments, knit element 131 can be biased towardthe neutral position and/or stretch limiter element 180 can be biasedtoward the slack position. In some embodiments, this biasing can becaused by the normal resiliency of the knit element 131. In additionallyembodiments, this biasing can be caused by elasticity of the strandsused to form knit element 131. Thus, as the stretching force is reduced,knit element 131 can recover toward the neutral position and stretchlimiter element 180 can recover toward the slack position.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, knit element 131 can be in the neutralposition and can compress against the wearer's foot to secure footwear100 to the wearer's foot. Knit element 131 can also stretch, forexample, in response to flexure of the wearer's foot, due to impact withthe ground, or for another reason. However, stretch limiter element 180can prevent knit element 131 from stretching too far. For example,stretch limiter element 180 can limit stretching of knit element 131such that knit element 131 remains secured to the wearer's foot. Then,when the stretching force is reduced, knit element 131 can recover backto the neutral position, and stretch limiter element 180 can recoverback to the slack position.

It will be appreciated that knitted component 130 can include any numberof stretch limiter elements 180, and stretch limiter elements 180 can bedisposed in any suitable location on knit element 131. Thus, stretchlimiter elements 180 of the forefoot tensile strands 115 can affectstretching within forefoot region 104. Likewise, stretch limiterelements 180 of the midfoot tensile strands 116 can affect stretching inmidfoot region 103. Also, stretch limiter elements 180 of the heeltensile strands 117 can affect stretching in heel region 102.

For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, first tensile strand152 can include a first limiter element 182 and a second limiter element184. Second tensile strand 154 can include a third limiter element 186and a fourth limiter element 188. Third tensile strand 156 can include afifth limiter element 190 and a sixth limiter element 192. Furthermore,fourth tensile strand 158 can include a seventh limiter element 194 andan eighth limiter element 196. In some embodiments, first limiterelement 182, third limiter element 186, fifth limiter element 190, andseventh limiter element 194 can be disposed within lateral portion 138of knit element 131. In contrast, second limiter element 184, fourthlimiter element 188, sixth limiter element 192, and eighth limiterelement 196 can be disposed within medial portion 140 of knittedcomponent 130.

Additionally, fifth tensile strand 160 can include a ninth limiterelement 198, sixth tensile strand 162 can include a tenth limiterelement 200, seventh tensile strand 164 can include an eleventh limiterelement 202, and eighth tensile strand 166 can include a twelfth limiterelement 204. Also, ninth limiter element 198, tenth limiter element 200,eleventh limiter element 202, and twelfth limiter element 204 can bedisposed within base portion 134 and proximate medial portion 140. Thus,as shown in FIG. 10, ninth limiter element 198, tenth limiter element200, eleventh limiter element 202, and twelfth limiter element 204 canbe disposed underneath an arch region of the wearer's foot.

Furthermore, ninth tensile strand 168 can include a thirteenth limiterelement 206 and a fourteenth limiter element 208. Tenth tensile strand170 can include a fifteenth limiter element 210 and a sixteenth limiterelement 212. Furthermore, eleventh tensile strand 172 can include aseventeenth limiter element 214, and twelfth tensile strand 174 caninclude an eighteenth limiter element 216. Thirteenth limiter element206 and fifteenth limiter element 210 can be disposed within baseportion 134 and proximate lateral portion 138. Fourteenth limiter 208and sixteenth limiter element 212 can be disposed within base portion134 and proximate medial portion 140. Also, in some embodiments,seventeenth limiter element 214 can be disposed in within base portion134, and eighteenth limiter element 216 can be disposed within heelportion 136.

Adjustment of Range of Stretching

In some embodiments, one or more stretch limiter elements 180 can beadjustable for changing the allowable range of stretching motion of knitelement 131. In some embodiments, the wearer can adjust and move stretchlimiter element 180 from the first slack position of FIG. 11 to thesecond slack position of FIG. 13 to change the available range ofstretching knit element 131. In this embodiment, if stretch limiterelement 180 is in the first slack position of FIG. 11, then knit element131 can stretch from the first length 251 to the second length 253 asshown in FIG. 12. Stated differently, stretch limiter element 180 canallow stretching of knit element 131 within the range 252 (i.e., thedifference between first length 251 and second length 253) as shown inFIG. 12. However, if the stretch limiter element 180 is in the secondslack position of FIG. 13, stretch limiter element 180 can allow knitelement 131 to stretch within a smaller range. For example, if stretchlimiter element 180 is in the second slack position of FIG. 13, thenknit element 131 can stretch from the first length 251 to a third length255. Stated differently, stretch limiter element 180 can allowstretching of knit element 131 within the smaller range 254 (i.e., thedifference between first length 251 and third length 255) as shown inFIG. 14.

This behavior is also illustrated schematically in FIGS. 15 and 16. InFIG. 15, tensile strand 150 is shown in the first slack position and therespective taut position. Thus, knit element 131 can stretch radially atthe midfoot region within the range of stretching motion 252 as shown inFIG. 15. In contrast, in FIG. 16, tensile strand 150 is shown in boththe second slack position and the respective taut position. Thus, knitelement 131 can stretch radially within the smaller range of stretchingmotion 254 as shown in FIG. 16.

In some embodiments, stretch limiter element 180 can be adjusted fromfirst slack position of FIG. 11 to second slack position of FIG. 13 bypulling first end 151 and/or second end 153 relative to the other. Forexample, the wearer can pull both first end 151 and second end 153 awayfrom each other to adjust the slack position of stretch limiter element180.

Also, in some embodiments, stretch limiter element 180 can have one ormore dimensions that are different in the first slack position ascompared to the second slack position. For example, in the first slackposition of FIG. 11, intermediate section 222 of stretch limiter element180 can have a first length 244. Also, stretch limiter element 180 canhave a first width 246. In contrast, in the second slack position ofFIG. 13, stretch limiter element 180 can have a second length 248 and asecond width 250. As shown, first length 244 can be greater than secondlength 248, and first width 246 can be greater than second width 250. Inthe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13, the zig-zag shape ofstretch element 180 is generally the same in the first and second slackpositions; however, the overall dimensions change. In other embodiments,the shape of stretch limiter element 180 changes as stretch limiterelement 180 moves from the first slack position to the second slackposition. For example, in some embodiments, the angles between one ormore transverse sections 223, 226, 230, 242 changes and/or the radius ofthe turns 224, 228, 240 changes. By changing these dimensions, the usercan vary the amount of available slack within tensile strand 150. Thus,the available range of stretching of knit element 131 can be changed.

Once stretch limiter element 180 has been adjusted to either the firstslack position or the second slack position, the user can secure tensilestrand 150 in the selected slack position. For example, stretch limiterelement 180 can be secured in the first and/or second slack position bytying first end 151 and second end 153 of tensile strand 150 together asshown in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, a clamp or similar implement canbe used to secure the tensile strand 150 with the desired amount ofslack.

Also, in some embodiments, tensile strand 150 can be secured with thedesired amount of slack via the braiding discussed above. For example,as shown in FIGS. 17-19, first tensile strand 152, second tensile strand154, third tensile strand 156, and fourth tensile strands 158 are shownas representative examples. First tensile strand 152, second tensilestrand 154, third tensile strand 156, and fourth tensile strand 158 canbe braided as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. However, if the userwishes to change the slack position of one of the strands, the user canunbraid the strands and adjust one relative to the others. In theembodiment of FIG. 17, the second tensile strand 154 has been pulled asrepresented with broken lines. Then, the user can re-braid the strandsas shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. It will be appreciated that the frictionbetween first tensile strand 152, second tensile strand 154, thirdtensile strand 156, and fourth tensile strand 158 can maintain thedesired amount of slack within each. In additional embodiments, a clamp,fastener, adhesives, or other device can be used to maintain the desiredamount of slack in the strands.

It will also be appreciated that the user can adjust the stretchcharacteristics of one portion of knit element 131 relative to another.For example, the user may desire for heel region 102 and midfoot region103 to have a relatively small range of stretching and for forefootregion 104 to have a relatively large range of stretching. Accordingly,in some embodiments, the user can adjust stretch limiter elements 180 offorefoot tensile strands 115 (namely, limiter elements 182, 184, 186,188, 190, 192, 194, 196) to the first slack position. In contrast, theuser can adjust stretch limiter elements 180 of midfoot tensile strands116 and heel tensile strands 117 (namely, limiter elements 198, 200,202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216) to the second slack position. Itwill be appreciated that this is merely one example, and any of stretchlimiter elements 180 can be adjusted relative to the others to affectthe range of stretching within that portion of knit element 131.

FIGS. 20 and 21 further illustrate this concept. As shown in FIG. 20,one or more stretch limiter elements 180 of heel tensile strands 117 canbe adjusted for changing the range of available stretching of heelregion 102. For example, one or more stretch limiter elements 180 ofheel tensile strands 117 can be in the first slack position as shown inFIG. 20. In contrast, the same stretch limiter element(s) 180 can be inthe second slack position as shown in FIG. 21. As a result, heel region102 can stretch in both configurations, for example, due to flexure ofthe wearer's foot. Specifically, heel region 102 can stretch within afirst range of stretching 330 as shown in FIG. 20, and heel region 102can stretch within a second, smaller range of stretching 331 as shown inFIG. 21.

It will be appreciated that stretch limiter elements 180 of heel tensilestrands 117 can be moved from the first slack position to the secondslack position in various ways. For example, stretch characteristics ofheel region 102 can be changed by adjusting each stretch limiter element180 of heel tensile strands 117. Alternatively, stretch characteristicsin more discreet areas of heel region 102 can be changed by adjustingonly some of stretch limiter elements 180 of heel tensile strands 117.

More specifically, to change stretch characteristics of most or all ofheel region 102, thirteenth stretch limiter element 206, fourteenthstretch limiter element 208, fifteenth stretch limiter element 210,sixteenth stretch limiter element 212, seventeenth stretch limiterelement 214, and eighteenth stretch limiter element 216 can be adjustedcollectively. For example, to change these stretch limiter elements 206,208, 210, 212, 214, 216 from the first slack position to the secondslack position, the ends of heel tensile strands 117 can be pulled andsecured at the desired tension with third tie 177. Conversely, stretchlimiter elements 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 can be adjusted from thesecond slack position to the first slack position by untying third tie177, loosening heel tensile strands 117, and re-tying third tie 177 atthe desired tension.

To change stretch characteristics of a smaller area of heel region 102,individual ones of stretch limiter elements 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216can be independently adjusted between the first and second slackpositions. As an example, it will be assumed that footwear 100 isconfigured as shown in FIG. 20 and that the wearer desires lessstretchability in heel region 102 along longitudinal axis 107. To beginthis process, third tie 177 can be untied, and twelfth tensile strand174 can be unbraided from third medial braid 165 and third lateral braid171. Next, the ends of twelfth tensile strand 174 can be pulled, causingeighteenth stretch limiter element 216 to move from the first slackposition of FIG. 20 to the second slack position of FIG. 21.Subsequently, twelfth tensile strand 174 can be re-braided into thirdmedial braid 165 and third lateral braid 171, and third tie 177 can bere-tied. As a result, the range of stretching of heel region 102 canchange from first range 330 shown in FIG. 20 to the second, smallerrange 331 shown in FIG. 21. It will be appreciated that any othertensile strand 150 of footwear 100 can be individually adjusted in acorresponding manner. Thus, stretching characteristics in specific anddistinct zones of upper 120 can be adjusted and tailored to the wearer'sdesires.

FIGS. 20-23 further illustrate these concepts with regard to forefoottensile strands 115. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, one or more stretchlimiter elements 180 of forefoot tensile strands 115 can be in the firstslack position, allowing for a relatively high range of stretching inforefoot region 104. Conversely, in FIGS. 21 and 23, one or moreforefoot tensile strands 115 can be in the second slack position,allowing for a relatively low range of stretching in forefoot region104.

In some embodiments, stretch limiter elements 180 of forefoot tensilestrands 115 can affect stretching generally along the transverse axis108 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. More specifically, this is illustratedin FIGS. 22 and 23 in relation to third stretch limiter element 186 andfourth stretch limiter element 188 of second tensile strand 154. Asshown in FIG. 22, third and fourth stretch limiter elements 186, 188 canbe disposed in the first slack position to allow for a first range ofstretching 333 along transverse axis 108. Conversely, as shown in FIG.23, third and fourth stretch limiter elements 186, 188 can be disposedin the second slack position to allow for a second, smaller range ofstretching 334 along transverse axis 108.

It will be appreciated that third and fourth stretch limiter elements186, 188 of second tensile strand 154 can be adjusted independent of theother stretch limiter elements 180 of the other forefoot tensile strands115. This can be achieved, in some embodiments, by untying first tie173, unbraiding second tensile strand 154 from first medial braid 161and first lateral braid 167, adjusting the tension of second tensilestrand 154, and then re-braiding and re-tying first tie 173 at thedesired tension. As such, stretching in a relatively small area offorefoot region 104 can be adjusted.

Also, in some embodiments, each of the forefoot tensile strands 115 canbe adjusted together. This can be achieved, in some embodiments, byuntying first tie 173, adjusting the tension in forefoot tensile strands115 while braided in first medial braid 161 and first lateral braid 167,and re-tying first tie 173.

Moreover, midfoot tensile strands 116 can be adjusted for varying thestretching of midfoot region 103. This can be achieved in substantiallythe same way as described above. Thus, individual ones of the stretchlimiter elements 180 of the midfoot tensile strands 116 can be adjustedindependently or they can be adjusted as a group.

Accordingly, knitted component 130 can allow the wearer to modify andtailor the upper 120 in a wide variety of ways. The wearer can adjustthe fit and stretching behavior of many areas of upper 120 such thatupper 120 fits securely and comfortably. Also, upper 120 can be adjustedbased on the type of activity of the wearer. For example, if footwear100 is being worn during running, the wearer may want the forefootregion 104 to have a high range of stretching to allow a large amount offlexure of the foot and toes. In contrast, if footwear 100 is being wornfor playing soccer, the wearer may want the forefoot region 104 to havea low range of stretching such that kicking energy transfers readily tothe ball. Moreover, in some embodiments, the footwear 100 may be tootight on a specific area of the wearer's foot. To correct this issue,the wearer can adjust the corresponding tensile strand 150 to allow morestretching at that area.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 24-31 illustrate additional embodiments of the present disclosure.These embodiments can share features that are similar to the embodimentsdiscussed above. These embodiments also can include additional features.

As shown in FIG. 24, knitted component 130 can include knit element 131and a plurality of tensile strands 150. More specifically, tensilestrands 150 can comprise first tensile strand 152, second tensile strand154, third tensile strand 156, fourth tensile strand 158, fifth tensilestrand 160, sixth tensile strand 162, seventh tensile strand 164, eighthtensile strand 166, ninth tensile strand 168, tenth tensile strand 170,eleventh tensile strand 172, and twelfth tensile strand 174. Thesetensile strands 150 can share similar features with the embodiments ofFIGS. 5-17. However, in some embodiments, one or more of these tensilestrands 150 can be routed differently across knit element 131.

For example, as shown in FIG. 24, first tensile strand 152 can be routedbetween medial portion 140 and lateral portion 138. First tensile strand152 can also extend through forefoot portion 142. When knit component130 is assembled and incorporated within footwear 100 as shown in FIG.25, sections of first tensile strand 152 can extend substantially alongthe longitudinal axis 107 and through forefoot region 104 of upper 120.Other tensile strands 150 can be routed similar to the embodimentsdescribed with respect to FIGS. 5-10. It will be appreciated, however,that tensile strands 150 can extend across any area of knit element 131without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, one or more stretch limiter elements180 can be inlaid within knit element 131 as discussed above. By way ofexample, first limiter element 182 and second limiter element 184 offirst tensile strand 152 can be inlaid within courses and/or wales ofknit element 131. As such, these limiter elements can be referred to asinlaid limiter elements 290.

In contrast, in some embodiments, one or more stretch limiter elements180 can be exposed from knit element 131. As such, these limiterelements can be referred to as exposed limiter elements 292. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 24, fifth tensile strand 160, sixth tensilestrand 162, seventh tensile strand 164, eighth tensile strand 166, ninthtensile strand 168, tenth tensile strand 170, and eleventh tensilestrand 172 can include respective exposed limiter elements 292.

Referring to tenth tensile strand 170 as a representative example,exposed limiter element 292 can be disposed on exterior surface 123 ofknit element 131 in some embodiments. Also, in some embodiments, exposedlimiter element 292 can be disposed on or proximate base portion 134 ofknit element 131. Other sections of tenth tensile strand 170 can beinlaid within courses and/or wales of knit element 131 as shown in FIG.24.

Moreover, first ends 151 of tensile strands 150 can extend away frommedial portion 140 of knit element 131, and second ends 153 can extendaway from lateral portion 138. First ends 151 and second ends 153 canalso be bundled or gathered and secured together in various ways. Forexample, first ends 151 can be braided to other first ends 151 in someembodiments, and second ends 153 can be braided to other second ends153. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, knitted component 130 caninclude first medial braid 161, second medial braid 163, third medialbraid 165, first lateral braid 167, second lateral braid 169, and thirdlateral braid 171, similar to the embodiments discussed above.

Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more braids can be gathered,bunched, or otherwise collected and secured together. For example, asshown in FIG. 26, first medial braid 161, second medial braid 163, thirdmedial braid 165, first lateral braid 167, second lateral braid 169, andthird lateral braid 171 can be gathered and secured together in someembodiments. For example, these braids can be braided together into amain braid 179.

Main braid 179 can be further secured to upper 120 or to sole structure110 to maintain desired tension in tensile strands 150. For example, insome embodiments, main braid 179 can wrap around heel region 102 and canbe secured to medial side 105 of upper 120.

Additionally, footwear 100 can include a securement device 197 forsecuring main braid 179 as indicated in FIGS. 26, 28, and 29. In someembodiments, securement device 197 can include a fastener, adhesive, orother type. In some embodiments, securement device 197 can include ahook 271 and a retainer 273 that receives the hook 272. Additionally, asshown in FIG. 27, hook 271 can be attached to a clamp 279 that attachesmain braid 179 to hook 272.

Retainer 273 can include one or more openings 275, each configured toreceive hook 272. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, retainer 273 caninclude three openings 275 in some embodiments. In some embodiments,retainer 273 can be included on upper 120. For example, retainer 273 canbe disposed on medial side 105. Openings 275 can be aligned generallyparallel to longitudinal axis 107.

As shown in FIG. 26, hook 271 can have an unsecured position, in whichhook 271 is spaced away from retainer 273 and is disposed outsideopenings 275. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 28, hook 271 can have asecured position, in which hook 271 is disposed within opening 275. Asshown in FIG. 28, hook 271 can have a first secured position where hook271 is received within opening 273 nearest heel region 102. Also, asshown in FIG. 29, hook 271 can have a second secured position where hook271 is received within opening 273 spaced further away from heel region102. Thus, the tension in tensile strands 150 can be adjusted by movinghook 271 between the different openings 275 of retainer 273.

Also, in some embodiments, clamp 279 can be an adjustable clamp that canbe used for changing tension in tensile strands 150. For example, asshown in FIG. 27, clamp 279 can include a housing 283 that receives mainbraid 179. Main braid 179 can be fixed relative to housing 283. Clamp279 can also include a selector 281, such as a button. By pushingselector 281, the wearer can temporarily release main braid 179 fromhousing 283 and advance main braid 179 relative to housing as shown withbroken lines in FIG. 27.

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 13, tensile strands150 and stretch limiter elements 180 can be adjusted. Thus, stretchlimiter elements 180 with more slack can allow more stretching thanstretch limiter elements 180 with less slack.

Likewise, in the embodiments of FIGS. 25-29, the slack position ofstretch limiter elements 180 can be adjusted in one or more ways. Forexample, the wearer can move the hook 271 between the different openings275 to change the slack position of tensile strands 150. Also, thewearer can advance the main braid 179 relative to the clamp 279 tochange the slack position of stretch limiter elements 180. Individuallimiter elements 180 can also be adjusted as well. For example, in someembodiments, one or more tensile strands 150 can be removed from therespective braid, advanced relative to the other tensile strands 150,and then re-braided and attached to hook 271. Hook 271 can then bere-hooked into retainer 273.

Accordingly, stretching characteristics of footwear 100 can beselectable and adjusted with precision. For example, in the embodimentof FIG. 28, heel region 102 can stretch within range 300 and forefootregion 104 can stretch within range 302. Stated differently, stretchlimiter element 184 of first tensile strand 152 can allow stretching offorefoot region 104 within range 302. Also, stretch limiter element 216of twelfth tensile strand 174 can allow stretching of heel region 102within range 300. To adjust these stretching characteristics, the usercan unbraid main braid 179 and any other necessary braids. Then, thewearer can advance first tensile strand 152 and twelfth tensile strand174 relative to the other tensile strands 150. Next, the wearer canre-braid tensile strands 150, reattach main braid 179 to clamp 279, andreattach hook 271 to retainer 273. As a result, heel region 102 canstretch within reduced range 304 and forefoot region 104 can stretchwithin reduced range 306 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 29. It willbe appreciated that other tensile strands 150 can be adjusted in asimilar manner.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more tensile strands 150 andstretch limiter elements 180 can be attached to sole structure 110.Accordingly, in some embodiments, tensile strands 150 can affectstretching characteristics of sole structure 110.

More specifically, FIGS. 30 and 31, illustrate exposed limiter element292 of fifth tensile strand 160 as a representative example. As shown,fifth tensile strand 160 can extend between medial side 105 and lateralside 106, and exposed stretch limiter element 292 can be exposed fromexterior surface 123 of knit element 131 in some embodiments. Also,exposed stretch limiter element 292 can be attached to upper surface 111of sole structure 110.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 30, sole structure 110 can stretch withknit element 131 as stretch limiter element 292 moves between the slackposition and the taut position. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, knitelement 131 and sole structure 110 can stretch in concert substantiallyalong transverse axis 108 in some embodiments. Specifically, whenstretch limiter element 292 is in the slack position, knit element 131and sole structure 110 can be relatively narrow as shown with solidlines in FIG. 30. However, sole structure 110 and knit element 131 canstretch in width as represented with broken lines. Once stretch limiterelement 292 reaches its taut position, stretch limiter element 292 canprevent further stretching. Thus, sole structure 110 and knit element131 can stretch within a first range 310 as shown in FIG. 30.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the wearer can adjust the slackposition of stretch limiter element 292 as represented in FIG. 31. Thus,like the embodiments discussed above, the wearer can adjust the slackposition of stretch limiter element 292 by pulling on ends 151 and 153and re-securing ends. As a result, knit element 131 and sole structure110 can stretch within a second range 312 as shown in FIG. 31. It isnoted that the second range of stretching 312 is less than first range310.

In some embodiments, sole structure 110 can be highly stretchable toallow for this type of stretching behavior. For example, in someembodiments, sole structure 110 can include highly elastic and resilientmaterial.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-34, additional embodiments of the presentdisclosure are illustrated. As shown, an article of apparel 1000 canincorporate a knitted component 1130 with a stretch limiter element1034. Stretch limiter element 1034 can be used to adjust the stretchcharacteristics of one or more areas of apparel 1000, similar to theembodiments discussed above.

As shown in FIG. 32, article of apparel 1000 can be a shirt, sweatshirt,or other article worn on the torso and/or arms. However, it will beappreciated that article of apparel 1000 can be configured for coveringother areas of the body. Thus apparel 1000 can be a pair of pants, asleeve, a wrap, an article that covers the head, or other type.

In some embodiments, knitted component 1130 can define a majority ofarticle of apparel 1000. In other embodiments, knitted component 1130can define a localized area of apparel 1000.

Moreover, stretch limiter element 1034 can be incorporated in anysuitable area of apparel 1000. For example, stretch limiter element 1034can be incorporated in an area of apparel 1000 proximate an anatomicaljoint. Thus, element 1034 can affect stretching of apparel 1000 thatoccurs when the wearer flexes the joint. Also, in some embodiments,element 1034 can be incorporated in an area that stretches due toflexure of the wearer's muscles or other movements. Specifically, asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 32, stretch limiter element 1034 can beincorporated in an area of apparel 1000 that covers the wearer's elbow.As such, apparel 1000 can stretch, for example, due to flexure of theelbow joint, and stretch limiter element 1034 can be used to limitand/or adjust this stretching behavior.

As shown in FIGS. 32-34, knitted component 1130 can include a knitelement 1131 and one or more tensile strands 1150. In some embodiments,tensile strand 1150 can include a first end 1151, a second end 1153, anda middle section 1155 that is defined between first end 1151 and secondend 1153.

In some embodiments, tensile strand 1150 can extend generally along alongitudinal axis 1003 of a sleeve 1005 of apparel 1000. Also, in someembodiments, first end 1151 can be disposed in a proximal region ofsleeve 1005, and second end 1153 can be disposed in a distal region ofsleeve 1005.

Tensile strand 1150 can define stretch limiter element 1034.Furthermore, stretch limiter element 1034 can be adjusted between afirst slack position and a second slack position. The first slackposition is represented in FIG. 33, and the second slack position isrepresented in FIG. 34 according to exemplary embodiments. Similar tothe embodiments discussed above, a reference area 1001 of knit element1131 can exhibit a greater range of stretching in the first slackposition of FIG. 33 as compared to the second slack position of FIG. 34.More specifically, when in the first slack position, reference area 1001can stretch within a first range 1252, and when in the second slackposition, reference area 1001 can stretch within a smaller second range1254.

Tensile strand 1150 can be manipulated to adjust stretch limiter element1034 between the first and second slack positions. In some embodiments,first end 1151 and/or second end 1153 can be manipulated to adjuststretch limiter element 1034.

For example, in some embodiments represented in FIG. 32, first end 1151can be fixed to knit element 1131. In contrast, second end 1153 can beexposed from knit element 1131 and can extend from knit element 1131.The wearer can pull on second end 1153, for example, to adjust stretchlimiter element 1034 from the first slack position to the second slackposition. Also, in some embodiments, the resilience of knitted component1130 can cause stretch limiter element 1034 to recover back to the firstslack position once the wearer stops pulling on second end 1153.

Additionally, in some embodiments, apparel 1000 can include a securementdevice 1007. Securement device 1007 can be used to secure tensile strand1150 and, thus, stretch limiter element 1034 in the selected slackposition. Securement device 1007 can include a clamp, a tie, a spool, orother implement that detachably secures tensile strand 1150 to knitelement 1131. In the embodiment of FIG. 32, for example, securementdevice 1007 is shown schematically and is shown adjacent a cuff 1009 ofapparel 1000. Securement device 1007 can detachably secure second end1153 relative to cuff 1009 to maintain stretch limiter element 1034 atthe desired position. In additional embodiments, securement device 1007can be a removable knot formed in tensile strand 1150, and the knot caninterfere with cuff 1009 to prevent second end 1153 from sliding intoknit element 1131 when sleeve 1005 stretches.

It will be appreciated that apparel 1000 can also include additionaltensile strands 1150 with additional stretch limiter elements 1034 atdifferent areas. These stretch limiter elements 1034 can be individuallyadjusted such that the respective areas of apparel 1000 can exhibitdifferent stretch characteristics.

In summary, knitted components 130, 1130 described herein can be usedfor controlling the stretching of footwear 100, apparel 1000, or otherarticles. As such, these articles can stretch to maintain comfort, andthe stretching can be limited to ensure the article remains secured tothe wearer's body. Also, tensile strands 150, 1150 can be adjusted insome embodiments such that the stretching behavior of one or more areasof the article can be tailored to the wearer's desires. For example,tensile strands 150, 1150 can be arranged in different zones or areas ofthe article, and different tensile strands 150, 1150 can be adjusted forcontrolling the amount of stretching that occurs in the different zones.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described,the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not tobe restricted except in light of the attached claims and theirequivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made withinthe scope of the attached claims.

We claim:
 1. An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising:a knitted component, the knitted component comprising: a knit element, afirst tensile strand with an exposed first end, and a second tensilestrand with an exposed second end, wherein the first tensile strand isat least partially inlaid within the knit element, wherein the secondtensile strand is at least partially inlaid within the knit element, andwherein the exposed first end of the first tensile element is secured tothe exposed second end of the second tensile element.
 2. The upper ofclaim 1, wherein the exposed first end of the first tensile element isbraided to the exposed second end of the second tensile element.
 3. Theupper of claim 1, wherein the knitted component further comprises athird tensile strand with an exposed third end and a fourth tensilestrand with an exposed fourth end, wherein the third end of the thirdend of the third tensile strand is secured to the fourth end of thefourth tensile strand.
 4. The upper of claim 3, wherein the first endand the second end are secured adjacent to a first side of a throat areaof the upper, and wherein the third end and the fourth end are securedadjacent to a second side of the throat area of the upper.
 5. The upperof claim 3, wherein the first and second ends form a first braid, andwherein the third and fourth ends form a second braid.
 6. The upper ofclaim 5, wherein the first braid and the second braid are configured toform a tie to secure the upper to a foot of a wearer.
 7. The upper ofclaim 1, wherein the first tensile strand includes a portion that isarranged as a stretch limiter element that is configured to move betweena first slack position and a taut position as the knit element movesbetween a neutral position and a stretched position.
 8. The upper ofclaim 7, wherein the tensile strand has a second slack position, andwherein the tensile strand is adjustable between the first slackposition and the second slack position.
 9. An article, the articlecomprising: a knitted component, the knitted component comprising: aknit element, a first tensile strand with a first end, and a secondtensile strand with a second end, wherein the first tensile strand is atleast partially inlaid within the knit element, wherein the secondtensile strand is at least partially inlaid within the knit element, andwherein the first end of the first tensile element is braided to thesecond end of the second tensile element.
 10. The article of claim 9,wherein the first tensile strand includes a portion that is arranged asa stretch limiter element that is configured to move between a firstslack position and a taut position as the knit element moves between aneutral position and a stretched position.
 11. The article of claim 10,wherein the tensile strand has a second slack position, and wherein thetensile strand is adjustable between the first slack position and thesecond slack position.
 12. The article of claim 9, further comprising athird tensile strand with a third end, wherein the third tensile strandis at least partially inlaid within the knit element, and wherein thethird end of the third tensile strand is braided to at least one of thefirst and of the first tensile strand and the second end of the secondtensile strand.
 13. The article of claim 9, wherein the knittedcomponent further comprises a third tensile strand with an exposed thirdend and a fourth tensile strand with an exposed fourth end, wherein thethird end of the third end of the third tensile strand is secured to thefourth end of the fourth tensile strand.
 14. The article of claim 13,wherein the first and second ends form a first braid, and wherein thethird and fourth ends form a second braid.
 15. The article of claim 14,wherein the first braid and the second braid are configured to form atie.
 16. The article of claim 9, wherein the article is an upper for anarticle of footwear.
 17. An upper for an article of footwear, the uppercomprising: a knitted component, the knitted component comprising: aknit element, a first tensile strand with an exposed first end, and asecond tensile strand with an exposed second end, wherein the firsttensile strand is at least partially inlaid within the knit element,wherein the second tensile strand is at least partially inlaid withinthe knit element, and wherein the exposed first end of the first tensileelement are configured to form a tie in a throat area of the upper. 18.The upper of claim 17, wherein the first end of the first tensile strandat least partially forms a first braid, and wherein the second end ofthe second tensile strand at least partially forms a second braid. 19.The upper of claim 17, first comprising a third tensile strand and afourth tensile strand with respective third and fourth exposed ends,wherein the third exposed end and the fourth exposed end are configuredto form a second tie in the throat area.
 20. The upper of claim 17,wherein the first tensile strand includes a portion that is arranged asa stretch limiter element that is configured to move between a firstslack position and a taut position as the knit element moves between aneutral position and a stretched position.